Nepalese Vegetable and Cheese Dumplings

Name: Nepalese Vegetable and Cheese Dumplings
Yield: makes 32 dumplings, serving 4 as a main course, 6 to 8 as a snack or starter
Ingredients: 4 cups whole milk; 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice, or 1 1/2 tablespoons distilled white vinegar or cider vinegar; 3 cups lightly packed chopped green cabbage; 2 cups lightly packed coarsely chopped spinach; 3 tablespoons ghee or unsalted butter; 1/2 cup finely chopped yellow onion; 1 large clove garlic, minced; 1 1/2 teaspoons minced fresh ginger; 1 large medium-hot red chile, such as Holland or Fresno, finely chopped; 1/2 teaspoon Sichuan peppercorn, toasted in a dry skillet for 2 to 3 minutes, until fragrant, then crushed with a mortar and pestle; 1/4 teaspoon ground cumin; 2 large scallions (white and green parts), chopped; 1/3 cup chopped fresh cilantro; 1 teaspoon salt; 2 teaspoons cornstarch dissolved in 1 tablespoon water; 1 pound Basic Dumpling Dough (page 22); 1 1/2 cups Spicy Roasted Tomato Sauce (page 218)

December 9, 2011

Tarkari momo are strikingly similar in concept to Italian ravioli with a ricotta-based filling, but the seasonings in these Nepalese dumplings reveal their Asian roots. Cumin, ginger, and Sichuan peppercorn commingle with chenna, or crumbly curds of Indian cheese (a precursor to paneer). Those ingredients combine with fresh chile, vegetables, and butter to make a wonderful vegetarian dumpling. The eye-poppingly spicy tomato sauce is a fabulous pairing with the delicate, rich filling. The cheese is very easy to prepare, but you can substitute 1/3 pound paneer, crumbling or mincing it before using. For a pretty presentation, consider tinting the wrappers orange or gold by using some carrot juice or turmeric (see page 23).

Recipe notes

White Bean Turkey Chili

A dash of cocoa powder adds depth and richness to the broth of this easy turkey chili.

Butternut Squash–Kale Salad With Roasted Garlic Vinaigrette

Round out these autumn greens with tart pomegranate seeds, crunchy pepitas, and a shower of Parmesan.

Béchamel Sauce

This classic 15-minute sauce is your secret weapon for homemade mac and cheese, chowder, lasagna, and more.

Rosemary and Dried Cherry Pork Chops

Rehydrating dried cherries in hot water turns them plump and juicy—exactly what you want scattered throughout a rosemary-scented pan sauce for pork chops.

Dulce de Leche

Make this versatile caramel at home with our slow-simmered method using milk and sugar—or take one of two sweetened condensed milk shortcuts.

Our Favorite French Onion Soup

Caramelized onions, melty Gruyère, and a deeply savory broth deliver the kind of comfort that doesn’t need improving.

Frijoles Peruanos (Peruvian Refried Beans)

Mayocobas, or canary beans, are the quick-cooking pantry ingredient you should know about.

Gochujang Turkey Sweet Potatoes

Fully loaded, meal-prep friendly, and ready to be dressed up, down, or sideways.